Refuse handling system

ABSTRACT

A refuse handling system is presented for temporary storage of solid refuse matter in underground depositories. A large, curved pipe, with openings at both ends, serves as the underground depository, and the openings at both ends are covered by removable plates, one or more of which also has a deposit box for deposit of refuse. Refuse is removed from the depository by a piston device carried on a collection vehicle.

United States Patent Meyers et al. [451 July 18, 1972 [s41 REFUSE HANDLING SYSTEM [56] 11mmcm [72] Inventors: Peter G. Meyers, Manchester; Erle C. UNlTE ms P 'I'E Sweeney, Glastonbury; Frederick W.

2.735,l22 2/1956 Fletcher ..l5/l04.3 R Gummy 3,613,915 10/1911 Vita ..214/41 [73] Assignee: Meyer: Elem-Mn; Meets, Ina, Primary Examiner-Robert G. Sl1eridan Manchester. Conn. Anomey-Fishman and Van Kid: [22] Filed: March 26, 1971 57 ABSTRACT PP N04 128,310 A refuse handling system is meaented for temporary storage of solid refuse matter in underground depoeitories. A large, 52 us. c1. ..214/11 0, 15/1043 R, 214/41 A, :g: g gi f z' 31:33: :1; l 5 I] Int Cl t g fi covered by removable plates, one or more of which also has a I a n n o o 1 4 n e e v I I I o a a 1 o a e o u I e 1 e n I o o e o a a a n n n n o n e u I q 4 e v a II is [58 Field Search ..214/11 D, 41 R, 41A, 85. 1; dummy by man device mmy, on a collection which llClalm'IDrawlngflguree Patented July 18, 1972 3,677,422

4 Sheets-Sheet l as I I I I I I 0 35 34 26 In van for: Pefer 6 Meyer: F l 4 [ric C $weeney Bedfritk M Bru/rk/mrdf A Hal-nus Patented July 18, 1972 3,677,422

4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ina/en for: Fe 0- G Meyers 51': C Sweeney Bea Prick M Brunk/mrr/f Patented July 18, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 5

Inven for; Pefer G Meyers 51b C Sweeney fieaemc/c 14 Bran/chard! aarusr: HANDLING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the prevention of the oontamination of the environment by solid matter refuse. More specifically, this invention is directed to a refuse handling system which includes a temporary depository. Accordingly, the general objects of the present invention are to provide novel and improved methods and apparatm of such character.

2. Description of the Prior Art While not limited thereto in its utility, the present invention is particularly well suited for use in areas of high population density. ln such-areas a continuing problem resides in the finding of sufiicient and acceptable places for the storage of solid refuse awaiting collection by a sanitation department or service. This problem is particularly apparent in the vicinity of low-rise, multi-farnily apartment complexes where such buildings are built close together and near the street. The temporary storage of refuse presents an especially critical situation where the municipality or private service provides for only one refuse collection per week and the situation may be aggravated because the quantity of refuse to be collected from a particular building varies considerably from week to week from such causes as prolonged snow emergencies, labor disputes and tenant turnover.

Present refuse handling systems generally use movable receptacles; either a plurality of barrels for each tenant or one or more large receptacles of the type requiring movement to a disposal facility or emptying by a complementary collection vehicle. These prior art systems present a problem of providing above-ground storage space which should preferably be screened from view in some manner. Above-ground storage, in its generally unattended state has the inherent disadvantages of placing the refuse in locations exposed to rodents and other vermin and presenting the posibility of offensive odors. Further, the storage is relatively inaccessible to collection crews and collection vehicles, particularly so in winter with snow and ice covering typical backyard storage areas. Often, there is not even sufficient yard space to place the required numbers of above-ground containers. Additionally, careless use by tenants results in the scattering of refuse about the area, and, as a result of the desire to render the aboveground storage area as inconspicuous as possible, refuse storage areas are usually poorly lit and not easily accessible by residents who must use them. Lack of lighting and inconvenient access are also deterrents to their proper use.

Cost considerations, particularly when public-financed housing in involved, dictate that the solution to the above briefly described problems not be substantially more expensive than present refuse disposal systems. In addition, due to air pollution considerations, incineration of the bulk of the solid waste matter is an undesirable solution. Accordingly, design criteria for an overall refuse disposal system requires provision of a temporary storage facility that is well lit and easily accessible by residents and collecu'on crew, and that the facility be both safe and sanitary. Economic considerations, however, make it desirable that the transfer of refuse from the temporary storage facility to the collection vehicle be accomplished with a minimum of human effort. Economic considerations also suggest that existing collection vehicles be usable, with no more than minor modification, to move refuse from the temporary storage facility to the final disposal site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the above briefly discussed disadvantages of the prior art refine handling systems by providing novel and improved methods and apparatus for storage and collection of refuse which meets the above-discussed design criteria. Thus, in accordance with the invention, sealed underground storage containers are employed. These storage containers are provided with deposit boxes which may be placed above ground at accessible locations. The storage containers are also provided with suitably positioned removal openings and extraction means are provided which load the contenu of the underground container directly into a collection vehicle through the removal openings using minimal human effort while simultaneously wiping the inner surface of the storage container.

The present invention contemplates a large curved pipe which is buried underground for storage of the refuse. The ends of the storage pipe typically terminate at ground level and the pipe ends are fitted with cover plate-deposit box combinations. The deposit boxes are provided with self-closing bin-type doors and means are provided which permit the deposit boxes to be readily opened or moved when the storage pipe is to be unloaded. Unloading of the storage pipe is accomplished by pulling a piston-type element through the pipe whereby refuse will be forced ahead of the piston and into a collection vehicle via a portable transfer duct which is attached to the vehicle. The piston elements are designed so as to wipe the inside of the pipe as they are pulled therethrough, whereby the refuse handling system of the present invention is self-cleaning. The piston elements are pulled through the pipe by means of a cable and collection vehicle mounted winch, and with each extraction procedure the piston is employed to pull a new cable into position; an extraction cable thus always being imtalled in the storage pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The present invention may be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several figures and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view, partly in section, of a preferred embodiment of a temporary refuse depository in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a refuse transfer operation as performed with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention including a collection vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a piston which may be employed with the present invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are, respectively, top and partial side views of a deposit box which may be employed with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side view, partly in section, of a further embodiment of the invention depicting means for uncovering the end of the temporary refuse storage facility.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to FIG. I, a preferred embodiment of the temporary storage facility portion of the present invention is shown partly in section. The actual storage area is defined by a curved pipe-container or conduit 10 which is buried below ground. The opposite ends 12 and 14 of pipe [0 will typically terminate at or near ground level. Also, the end 12 of pipe l0 will typically be positioned adjacent to an entrance to a building to be served by the refuse storage unit while the end 14 of pipe 10 will typically terminate adjacent to the curb thereby facilitating, in the manner to be described below, transfer of refuse stored in pipe 10 into a collection vehicle. In the drawing, the building served by storage pipe 10 is indicated at 16 and, as may be seen from FIG. 3, has an entrance door [8 with suitable means for illumination 20. The street on which the building 16 faces is indicated at 22 and terminates at curb 24. In the environment depicted in FIG. I, the storage pipe 10 will be buried beneath the sidewalk 26 or other ground area between building 16 to curb 24.

Where cellars of buildings extend to the curb under sidewalks, such as in commercial areas, the pipe-container would be hung from the ceiling and/or supported from below. Where refuse removal is to be by below ground transfer media, the removal opening 14 may be other than horizontal, such as vertical.

The pipe 10 may be constructed of pre-cast concrete, steel, fiberglass-reinforced plastic or other materials with the necessary strength. low surface friction, and smooth and impervious wall construction. Underground refuse storage in the pipe is advantageous since the refuse is cooler and thus less odoriferous in summer, and warmer and thus less apt to be frozen in winter. Of course, the pipe could be situated in many other locations such as the rear of the building, in parking areas and alleyways.

It will be noted that while the storage pipe 10 is typically of circular cross section area, any desired pipe configuration may be employed. Thus, for example, elliptical or rectangular cross sectional storage pipes may be employed. Also, it is generally considered preferable, for complete removal of the refuse contained, ease of passage of the piston, and because of economic considerations, that the storage pipe have a constant diameter between its oppositely disposed ends. Similarly, while the typical installation is a one-piece storage pipe having a semi-circular profile, other profiles may be employed and pipe 10 may be defined by a straight section disposed between a pair of elbows. ln uneven terrain, extensions may be added to one end of the storage pipe so as to permit that end to be brought up to ground level at the higher side of the terrain.

it is also to be noted that a typical storage pipe 10 will have a length of l feet, center to center between ends 12 and 14 at ground level, and there may not be sufficient room for pipes of that size to be installed along a line generally perpendicular to the face of the building 16. [n such cases, pipe may be angled with respect to the curb. Also, the discharge end 14 may, if the volumetric advantages of being able to load from both ends of the pipe are not considered necessary, be positioned in street 22 a distance outwardly from the curb sufficient to permit the unloading of pipe 10 without access to the curb, such as when a vehicle is parked at the curb.

Further, the typical storage pipe 10 will have a cross-sectional dimension of between 3 and 4 feet. This is to provide sufficient refuse storage capacity within the container. It is also to prevent the possibility of blockages within the pipe caused by individual bags or other pieces of refuse. Larger pipes, in length and/or in cross section may also be used to obtain even greater refuse storage capacity. That is, capacity to serve a greater number of dwelling units.

Considering further H6. 1, it is to be noted that storage pipe 10 is provided with one or more retention devices 28. The retention devices typically take the form of outwardly extending protrusions and are included to prevent the pipe-container 10 from being moved by forces produced in the unloading procedure to be described below. Pipe-container 10 will generally not be provided with a drain for a number of reasons. First, and most important, a drain may permit the entry of vermin and the exit of pollutants to underground water streams. Also, the means and mode of unloading pipe 10, as will be described below, will remove substantially all liquid and solid material therefrom. Additionally, proper design and installation of the invention will substantially prevent leakage of water, for example rain water, from entering into pipe 10. The ends of pipes 12 and 14 are provided, respectively, with cover plates 34 and 36. One or more of the cover plates will have a deposit box attached thereto. Preferably, a deposit box 30 will be attached to plate 34 at or near the building and cover plate 36 will not have a deposit box. However, if it is desired to permit the deposit of refuse from both ends thereof, each of ends 12 and 14 of pipe 10 may be provided with a respective deposit box 30 and 32. The deposit boxes 30 and 32 are preferably integral with respective cover plates 34 and 36 which in turn are housed in or abut collars 35 affixed to the ends 12 and 14 of pipe 10. The connection between the deposit boxes and the container-pipe 10 may be better seen from FIG. 6. The collars 35 will typically be welded, if collar and pipe are metal, or integrally cast if concrete, to the ends of container-pipe l0 and the boxes 30 and 32 will typically be bolted or welded to their respective cover plates. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, it is necessary that the deposit boxes be moved out of the way during the unloading of container-pipe 10 and means by which this may be accomplished will be described below in connection with the discussion of FIGS. 5-7.

In the interest of preventing blockage of pipe-container 10 by large pieces or packages of refuse, and also to prevent the escape of noxious odors, boxes 30 and 32 are respectively provided with bin-type doors 3! and 40. Doors 38 and 40 open outwardly and are counter-weighted so as to automatically close when released. The doors may be provided with baffles on the side and back as shown in the case of door 38 whereby the size of the refuse deposited is limited to the dimensions between the baffles and the baffles will seal the opening to pipe 10 with the door in the loading" position.

Steps up to the deposit box door may be provided for the ease of children or elderly using the system. The deposit box may be hooded to prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the door. The door may be foot-pedal operated to free both hands of residents for depositing their refuse.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the means for extracting refuse deposited in container-pipe 10 is shown schematically. in considering FIG. 2 it will be noted that the plates 34 and 36 along with the depodt boxes attached to one or both have been removed. Various means by which this removal may be accomplished will be described below. From joint consideration of FIGS. 1 and 2 it may be seen that the container-pipe l0 nonnally has a cable 42 installed therein. The cables would preferably be in the form of chain links, wire ropes, or belting, and will typically be constructed of materials such as steel or fiber glass which can provide the necessary strength and resistance to the harsh environment within the pipe where the refuse is contained. Cable 42 will extend between a pair of non-fouling eyelets or books 44 and 46 extending downwardly from respective cover plates 34 and 36 or recessed into the wall of pipe 10 adjacent the ends thereof. Cable 42 will be provided with fittings or other connector means on its ends for attachment to hooks on the pipe, piston and winch cable as will be described. The cables will typically have a length in excess of the combined lengths of pipe 10 and a transfer duct 56, so that a replacement cable 42' can be rehooked at the entry end 12 of the pipe.

When it is desired to unload pipe 10, the cover plates and attached deposit boxes are moved out of the way thus exposing the ends of cable 42. The end of cable 42 attached to hook 46 is connected to a tension cable 48 which extends from a winch 50; winch 50 being mounted on a collection vehicle indicated generally at 52. The other end of cable 42 is released from hook 44 and the forward or leading end of a piston element 54 is connected thereto. A spare cable 42' is connected to the other or trailing end of piston 54 and cable 42' will be pulled into position as a replacement for cable 42 as the piston is pulled through pipe 10.

The unloading of pipe 10 also requires that a transfer duct 56 be connected between the discharge end 14 of pipe 10 and the loading hopper on collection vehicle 52. The collar about end 14 of pipe 10 is provided with suitable locking means, not shown, which cooperates with the upstream end of transfer duct 56 to permit a substantially fluid tight connection therebetween. This locking mechanism may, for example, comprise a clamping device, quick-disconnect coupling, or other such device which cooperates with recesses or other suitable means formed in or mounted on the inside of collar 35. The transfer duct would preferably be constructed of sheet metal, reinforced plastic or other materials with the necessary strength, smooth surface and low cost. A coating, such as of plastic may be applied to the inner surface of the transfer duct 56 and/or pipe 10 to reduce the resistance to thru-flow of the refuse, specifically, be reducing the surface friction coefficient, and further to insure that the surfaces are impervious to malodorous components of the refuse.

To extract the refuse from pipe 10, tension is applied to cable 42 via the collection vehicle mounted winch 50 and tension cable 48. This results in the piston 54 being pulled through the pipe-container 10. The piston discharges the material ahead of it into and through the transfer duct 56 and thence into the collection vehicle 52. The close fit of piston 54, as will be described in more detail below, also results in wiping of the internal walls of pipe and transfer duct 56 as the piston and refuse passes therethrough. When the piston reaches the discharge end of the transfer duct, access to the leading end of cable 42' is obtained. The ends of the replace ment cable are then attached to the hooks 44 and 46 and the cover plates and deposit boxes repositioned so as to seal the ends of pipe 10.

Expulsion of the refuse from the transfer duct 56 into the collection vehicle 52 may be accomplished in several ways. First, the piston 54 may be pulled completely through the transfer duct as shown in FIG. 2. Secondly, the diameter of the pipe-side opening of the transfer duct may be made somewhat less than that of pipe I0 whereby the piston will effectively seal the end of the transfer duct which is brought into registration with the end of pipe 10. With the end of the transfer duct sealed by the piston, the duct may be raised and vibrated so as to cause all material in the duct to be transferred into the collection vehicle. Also, the transfer duct may be associated with a conveyor mechanism which will lift and transport refuse into the collection vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention during an extraction mode. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3 it may be seen that the cover plate 36 and cover plate 34 with its deposit box 30 have been pivoted out of alignment with ends 12 and 14 of pipe 10 thereby permitting insertion of the piston through end 12 and connection of the transfer duct 56 to end 14. The transfer duct is supported from the back of vehicle 52 by means of a boom 58 and cable 60.

Returning to a consideration of piston 54, in FIG. 2 the piston was shown as having a spherical configuration. The spherical piston would, of course, be used in conjunction with a storage pipe 10 of circular cross-sectional area and the diameter of the piston would be substantially equal to the inside diameter of pipe 10. During unloading of pipe 10, the piston is pulled through the container-pipe from the inlet end l2 to the discharge end 14 by means of cable 42 and pushes the refuse temporarily stored in pipe 10 in the direction of piston movement. The piston would, of course, be stored on the collection vehicle when not in use.

While a spherical piston should provide good results, it is also possible to employ a disc-shaped piston or a combination of spherical and disc shapes. The spherical and disc shapes are desired since they easily negotiate turns in the pipe 10 and transfer duct 56 and also the junction between the pipe and transfer duct while maintaining full contact with the walls of the pipe and transfer duct.

A tail may be added to the piston for stability to counteract forces generated by changes in the direction of pull or by variations of refuse density. Thus, for example, a particularly desirable piston arrangement is shown in FIG. 4 wherein a shallow angle disc 62 precedes the spherical member 54 through pipe Ill. The disc portion of the piston would be reinforced as required and the spherical follower will provide both stability and enchance the wiping action. In this regard, the spherical portion of the piston may be comprised of an inflatable ball and the periphery of the piston member or members may be provided with replaceable wipers such as wiper 66 on disc 62. Three-point attachment of the transfer cable around the periphery of the piston is preferred so that maximum pull is available at that part of the periphery meeting with the greatest resistance to being pulled through.

The components of the piston assembly are preferably fabricated from materials which have the necessary strength and corrosion resistance and which render the piston light in weight for ease of handling. Also preferred to minimize maintenance, is extra strength at load carrying points such as cable connections and cross sections of connector devices. Typical materials for use in the spherical members would be reinforced plastic, rubber, aluminum or stainless steel. The disc members would preferably be comprised of reinforced plastic,

aluminum or stainlea steel and steel cables or reinforcing rods 68 would be employed to interconnect the elements of a segmented piston such as that shown in FIG. 4. It is, of course, to be understood that the variations in piston design are numerous and it is possible to employ a hemispherical or other shaped scoop, a curved cylinder or paddle on a long arm as the piston.

As previously noted, in FIG. 3 the deposit boxes 32 and 34 (if employed) are shown as pivotable to a position where they are out of alignment with the ends of pipe 10. One of several means by which pivoting of the deposit boxes may be accomplished is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the collars about the ends of pipe 10 have formed, integral therewith, at least a pair of hinge bolts 70 and 72. Cooperating hinges 74 and 76 are suitably attached to cover plates 34 and 36. The side of the deposit boxes disposed opposite to the hinges is provided with a pipe socket 77 designed to receive a lifting rod 78. The lifting rod would normally be stored on the collection vehicle. Upwardly directed force on socket 77, applied either manually or with the aid of a lift mechanism suspended from the collection vehicle, will cause the cover plates and deposit boxes to be pivoted about hinges 74 and 76 thereby exposing the ends of pipe 10.

FIGS. 5 and 6 also depict the construction of the cover plates 34 and 36; the cover plates being provided with a cutout about dteir lower periphery which defines a shoulder 80. Shoulder 80 cooperates, in the manner shown in FIG. 6 with the collar 35 on the end of pipe 10 to provide a tight seal; the seal being enhanced by the downwardly directed weight of the deposit box. The point of contact between shoulder 80 and collar 35 of the pipe may be raised slightly above the underside of the cover plate 34 in the interest of preventing leakage into pipe 10. A compressible type seal, such as an O-ring 81, may set into recess in collar 35 to seal out water and vermin and seal in odors. Such a compressible seal would also serve to prevent noises when stepping on the cover plate, especially important for curbside covers without integral deposit boxes such as shown at 82 in FIG. 3.

Numerous methods for uncovering the ends of pipe 10 are available. Thus, for example, each of the deposit boxes or covers may be provided with a vertically oriented socket adjacent to the side of the box which faces hinges 74 and 76; the socket receiving a rod having a cable with attaches to the upper front side of the box. The rod would thus function as a lever when rearward pressure was applied thereto causing the box to pivot on hinges 75 and 76. Various mechanical IIlCIhOCb for facilitating the pivoting of the deposit boxes are also possible. These mechanical methods include hydraulic piston-type actuators, various gear-type arrangements, boom and cable systems and lifting dolly arrangements. Thus, for example, the deposit boxes may be provided internally with a rack and pinion arrangement and a crank or, preferably an automated driver mechanism would be inserted through an aperture in the side of the box for the purpose of advancing the pinion along the rack; one end of the rack being attached to the ground or pipe collar whereby the box is caused to pivot on hinges 74 and 76 as the pinion gear advances. Where automated drivers are used, power for the devices may include battery packs on the collector's back or through a cable from the collection vehicle. As noted, there are numerous variations in the manner of exposing the ends of pipe 10, whether a cover plate or cover plate-deposit box combination is used, and the particular choice of mechanism will be dictated by economic factors and field tests which determine the most tamper-proof arrangement bearing in mind the aforementioned economic considerations.

To review briefly the design criteria which must be observed in providing for removal of the deposit boxes, ease and safety of use must be the principal considerations taking into account the weight of the combined cover plate and box. If manual operating tilting of the deposit boxes is chosen, the major problem is to provide for safety of operation during reclosure, and thus it may be desired to employ hydraulic shock absorbers to control the plate closing, to prevent both damage to the cover plate and also to protect against injury to workmen. Similarly, for opening, it may be desirable that the hinges be counterbalanced.

it will be noted that the cover plates 34 and 36 may be comprised of magnetic material whereby a unique lifting dolly 84 carrying an electromagnet 86 may be used to remove the covers and deposit boxes. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 7. ln operation of the arrangement shown in FIG. 7, once the generally U-shaped dolly 84 is positioned about the deposit box, the magnet is lowered into contact with the cover plate, energized and then raised with the aid of a motor 88 carried by dolly 84. Power for this arrangement can be provided by the collection vehicle. The arrangement of FIG. 7 has the obvious advantage of rapid operation and minimization of human effort.

lt is to be understood that the present invention also encompasses an arrangement where the discharge end of pipe 14 merely has a cover plate installed thereon rather than a deposit box. Such a cover plate would, of course, be required for an in-street installation and various means may be provided for removal of the cover plate. Cover plate removal means are well known in the art and will not be described herein.

As mentioned above, another alternative in accordance with the present invention includes the use of a conveyor belt which cooperates with the transfer duct 56 to load material removed from pipe into the collection vehicle hopper. Such a conveyor belt, when employed, would be attached to and form an accessory on the collection vehicle. The present invention also contemplates a vacuum extraction process wherein a negative pneumatic pressure will be employed to draw material out of pipe 10 into the collection vehicle via the transfer duct. The pneumatic system will require additional collection vehicle equipment such as an air filtration system, baffling and a self-cleaning screen.

It will also be understood that a multi-collection pipe system is within the contemplation of the present invention. Thus, in the interest of enhancing the storage capacity, a pair of pipes may be associated with a single deposit box and the deposit box may be provided with a pair of doors which permit the loading of each pipe. Alternatively, the deposit box may include a single door and an internally mounted rotary paddle wheel arrangement which alternately directs deposited refuse into multiple pipes.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it may be seen that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.

What is claimed is:

I. A material handling system comprising:

temporary storage means, said storage means including a conduit having first and second ends;

cover means for the oppositely disposed ends of said storage means conduit, at least one of said cover means including a normally closed access door for use in the depositing of material in said storage means;

flexible cable means, said cable means being normally installed in said storage means and having a pair of op positely disposed ends releasably located within the storage means conduit adjacent to the oppositely disposed ends thereof;

piston means, at least a portion of said piston means having a cross-sectional shape commensurate with the CI'OSQ-SCC- tional shape of said storage means conduit;

meam for connecting one end of said cable means to a first end of said piston means;

force transmitting means, said force transmitting means being connectable to the other end of said cable means whereby said piston means may be pulled through said storage means conduit; and replacement cable means connectable to the other end of said piston means whereby said replacement cable means will be positioned in said storage means conduit as said piston means is pulled therethrough while propelling material stored in said storage means conduit ahead of said piston means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

transfer duct means, said transfer duct means being connectable to an end of said conduit means and having said force transmitting means passing therethrough whereby material expelled from said storage means conduit ahead of said piston means will be transmitted through said transfer duct means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said storage means conduit has a circular cross-sectional area and a constant diameter along its length.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of said piston means has a spherical shape.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein at least a portion of said piston means has a spherical shape and a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said storage means conduit.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said force transmitting means comprises:

a winch mounted on a collection vehicle, the second end of said transfer duct discharging into said collection vehicle.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said one of said cover means comprises:

an apertured cover plate which cooperates with the end of said storage means conduit to provide a seal between said plate and storage means conduit end; and

a deposit box mounted on said cover plate above said aperture, said deposit box being provided with said access door.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

hinge means for attaching said cover plate to the end of said storage means conduit whereby said plate and deposit box may be rotated out of alignment with said conduit when it is desired to transfer material out of said storage means.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said storage means conduit has a circular cross-sectional area and a constant diameter along its length.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of said piston means has a spherical shape and a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said storage means conduit.

1 l. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

means for moving said cover means out of registration with the ends of said storage means conduit.

I i U 

1. A material handling system comprising: temporary storage means, said storage means including a conduit having first and second ends; cover means for the oppositely disposed ends of said storage means conduit, at least one of said cover means including a normally closed access door for use in the depositing of material in said storage means; flexible cable means, said cable means being normally installed in said storage means and having a pair of oppositely disposed ends releasably located within the storage means conduit adjacent to the oppositely disposed ends thereof; piston means, at least a portion of said piston means having a cross-sectional shape commensurate with the cross-sectional shape of said storage means conduit; means for connecting one end of said cable means to a first end of said piston means; force transmitting means, said force transmitting means being connectable to the other end of said cable means whereby said piston means may be pulled through said storage means conduit; and replacement cable means connectable to the other end of said piston means whereby said replacement cable means will be positioned in said storage means conduit as said piston means is pulled therethrough while propelling material stored in said storage means conduit ahead of said piston means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: transfer duct means, said transfer duct means being connectable to an end of said conduit means and having said force transmitting means passing therethrough whereby material expelled from said storage means conduit ahead of said piston means will be transmitted through said transfer duct means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said storage means conduit has a circular cross-sectional area and a constant diameter along its length.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of said piston means has a spherical shape.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein at least a portion of said piston means has a spherical shape and a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said storage means conduit.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said force transmitting means comprises: a winch mounted on a collection vehicle, the second end of said transfer duct discharging into said collection vehicle.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said one of said cover means comprises: an apertured cover plate which cooperates with the end of said storage means conduit to provide a seal between said plate and storage means conduit end; and a deposit box mounted on said cover plate above said aperture, said deposit box being provided with said access door.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: hinge means for attaching said cover plate to the end of said storage means conduit whereby said plate and deposit box may be rotated out of alignment with said conduit when it is desired to transfer material out of said storage means.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said storage means conduit has a circular cross-sectional area and a constant diameter along its length.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of said piston means has a spherical shape and a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said storage means conduit.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: means for moving said cover means out of registration with the ends of said storage means conduit. 